Digital Transition:
COX 11 Answers Your Questions

With so much media attention focused on the "digital transition" of broadcast signals, Cox VP and General Manager Gary McCollum recently sat down with Hobie Ritzel, Video Product Manager at Cox Hampton Roads, to get the scoop on what it meas to our customers.

Gary: We have heard a lot about the upcoming digital transition but many people are still confused about this. Can you give us a quick overview?

Hobie: Beginning Feb. 17, 2009, over-the air television stations, like our local stations WAVY, WVEC and WTKR, will be required to broadcast their signals in a digital-only format. This means that analog TV sets that use an antenna to receive their signals won’t be able to display their broadcast TV signals unless they are connected to cable, another video service or to a special analog-to-digital converter. Cox cable customers won’t have to take any action because all their televisions will work as long as they are connected to cable.

Gary: Who made the decision that this transition would occur and why?

Hobie: This is a decision made by the U.S. government. Broadcasting a digital signal will free up extra bandwidth which can be used for future consumer wireless products and for first-responders such as local police and fire departments to enhance the way they react to emergencies.

Gary: How does this transition affect Cox customers?

Hobie: Cox subscribers will not need to take any action to receive their programming, even if they have an analog television set. They don’t even need a set top box. Cox will continue to offer programming in the analog and digital formats, so our customers won’t have to make any change at all.

Gary: Can you tell us more about the coupons the government is offering for analog to digital converters?

Hobie: The government is supplying up to two $40 coupons per household on a first-come, first-served basis. These coupons are for people with an analog television set who use an antenna to receive their programming from the local networks. The coupons give a $40 credit towards the purchase of an analog-to-digital converter which can be purchased from many local retailers now. If your television set is newer and has a built in digital tuner, then you don’t need this converter. And all televisions connected to Cox cable will still receive the same signal with no change in service.

Gary: What should someone do if their TV does not have a built in digital tuner?

Hobie: The easiest solution is to connect that television to Cox cable. All television sets connected to Cox will receive the same signal that they receive now with no interruption in service. The two other options are to purchase an analog-to-digital converter or buy a new digital television with a built in digital tuner. All new TVs sold now have to have a digital tuner imbedded in the TV and you won’t need an external tuner.

Gary: What is the difference between the Cox converter and the analog-to-digital converter box?

Hobie: An analog to digital converter goes between your antennae and your analog television and translates the digital signal from local broadcast stations. The Cox converter connects to your cable line and allows you access to all the channels you subscribe to along with parental controls, interactive television and the ability to access advanced features.

Gary: Where can our customers find more information about digital transition or get one of the government coupons for an analog-to-digital converter?

Hobie: They can pick up a digital transition brochure at one of our Cox retail locations. Or you could order government coupons by visiting www.DTVtransition.org or calling 1-888-388-2009.